The phytochemical study of Euphorbia pedroi led to the isolation of a new tetracyclic triterpenoid with an unusual spiro scaffold, spiropedroxodiol (1), along with seven known terpenoids (2–8). Aiming at obtaining compounds with improved multidrug-resistance (MDR) reversal activity, compound 8,…Read more ›

Aim: Naringenin (1), isolated in large amount from the aerial parts of Euphorbia pedroi, was chemically derivatized to yield 18 imine derivatives (2–19) and three alkylated derivatives through a Mannich-type reaction (20–22) that were tested as multidrug resistance (MDR) reversers…Read more ›

Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes play major roles in human diseases, including cancer. Yet, the poor understanding of isozymes-specific functions and the limited availability of selective pharmacological modulators of PKC isozymes have limited the clinical translation of PKC-targeting agents. Here,…Read more ›

Efflux pumps of the ATP-binding cassette transporters superfamily (ABC transporters) are frequently involved in the multidrug-resistance (MDR) phenomenon in cancer cells. Herein, we describe a new atomistic model for the MDR-related ABCG2 efflux pump, also named breast cancer resistance protein…Read more ›

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) has been considered an important molecular target in the reversal of multidrug resistance (MDR). As such, the development of P-gp modulators able to restore drug sensitivity in resistant cells is still considered one of the most promising strategies…Read more ›

A library of 5-methylindolo[3,2-c]quinolones (IQc) with various substitution patterns of alkyldiamine side chains were evaluated for G-quadruplex (G4) binding mode and efficiency. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer melting assays showed that IQcs with a positive charge in the heteroaromatic nucleus and…Read more ›

One of the greatest threats to cancer treatment is the development, by some tumors, of resistance to the pharmacological action of several structurally unrelated cytotoxic agents—multidrug resistance (MDR). As P-glycoprotein (P-gp) is one of the most studied ATP-dependent efflux pumps…Read more ›

Malaria is responsible for nearly one million deaths annually, and the increasing prevalence of multi-resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum poses a great challenge to controlling the disease. A diverse set of flavones, isosteric to 4(1H)-quinolones, were prepared and profiled for…Read more ›

P-Glycoprotein (Pgp) is one of the best characterized ABC transporters, often involved in the multidrug-resistance phenotype overexpressed by several cancer cell lines. Experimental studies contributed to important knowledge concerning substrate polyspecificity, efflux mechanism, and drug-binding sites. This information is, however,…Read more ›

Cytochrome bc1 complex is a crucial element in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, being indispensable for the survival of several species of Plasmodia that cause malaria and, Qo bc1 Complex Inhibitorstherefore, it is a promising target for antimalarial drug development. We…Read more ›

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a limiting step on the success of cancer chemotherapy. The drug efflux mediated by P-gp (P- glycoprotein) is one of the best studied mechanisms of MDR. This paper focuses on the inhibitory P-gp efflux activity, pharmacophore…Read more ›

Cytochrome bc1 is a validated drug target of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes the most lethal form of malaria. The inhibition of cytochrome bc1 leads to the shutdown of the mitochondrial metabolism and the consequent arrest of pyrimidine biosynthesis…Read more ›

The first structure–activity relationship study of vinyl sulfones as caspase-3 inhibitors is reported. A series of 12 vinyl sulfones was synthesized and evaluated for two downstream caspases (caspases-3 and -7). Dipeptidyl derivatives were significantly superior to their counterparts containing only Asp…Read more ›

(1H-Pyridin-4-ylidene)amines containing lipophilic side chains at the imine nitrogen atom were prepared as potential clopidol isosteres in the development of antimalarials. Their antiplasmodial activity was evaluated in vitro against the Plasmodium falciparum W2 (chloroquine-resistant) and FCR3 (atovaquone-resistant) strains. The most…Read more ›